For the new trailer owner - what do I need to buy and which products are recommended?

[RickBetterley]

I am sure this is answered in various threads, but I’ll ask it here.
We are picking up our new Cougar 26RBS and will be first time camping for 2 weeks beginning early June.
I need to start accumulating the essentials, such as sewer hose, drinking water hose, surge protector, etc.
Rather than rely on what the dealer has in stock, I’d like to buy the right stuff on my first try. I’m thinking about the infrastructure (essentials I need to operate, protect, or repair the trailer, not things like dishes or consumables).
Recognizing that there are probably going to be a wide range of suggestions, can you coach me on this?
Thanks in advance

[Canonman]

Welcome! I'd recommend a trip to Walmart for most items. In addition to what you already have on your list, a fresh water fill hose w/shutoff. Attaches to your fresh water hose and makes it easier to fill the tank when you're not attached to city water. A large mat for outside the cougar, keeps the dirt outside. A handheld vac for the stuff that does get inside. A separate black water hose to use for the black tank rinse and clean up around the dump station. Don't forget a well equipped tool box. Also a battery jump starter (usually has a light and small air compressor). A cordless drill/screwdriver and Duct Tape.
Some other things to consider will depend on what type of camping you like to do i.e. full hook ups, dry camping or boon-docking. Also whether you travel with kids and pets.
There's LOT'S more as you will soon discover.
Happy trails in the new Cougar

[Bisjoe]

Some of the less obvious: Torque wrench that goes up to at least 120 ft/lbs for the wheels, and tire pressure gauge and compressor or pump. Set of 1/2" drive sockets with ratchet but also large handle. Coil of wire, zip-ties, bungie cords. Variety of screwdriver types and sizes. Adapters for 30 amp to 50 amp service, and from 30 amp to 20 amp service. Pressure regulator for when connecting to city water. We bought some rolls of rubbery shelving material that helps keep things from sliding around and cut it to size. It was easy liner, or magic liner, can't remember the name
but Home Depot has it..

https://cloudfront.zoro.com/product/full/Z2pLFwpcpEx_.JPG

[66joej]

As Canonman suggested get the 2 hoses for the fresh tank and black tank flush. Also buy a splitter that has individual shutoffs to attach both hoses to the water spigot at the campground. Makes it easier to flush the black tank without changing hoses. And an inline water filter for fresh water. The blue type is most common.

[slow]

LevelMatePro and Anderson levelers right from the start unless you have a leveling system already installed on the TT.

[FlyingAroundRV]

A good tire pressure monitoring system, preferrably one that also monitors tire temperatures.
A really useful thing is one of those laser temperature guns (don't know what the technical term is) that you can use to measure the temps of tires, wheels, brakes and bearings with when you stop.
Also a voltage surge protector (most people reccomend the Progressive industries ones) either a plug in one or hard-wired in.
If you'll be dry camping, you'll want a generator that has enough power to run the HVAC. Get one specifically for RVing, not an industrial type. RV ones are much quieter.

[notanlines]

Rick, you rascal, you didn't tell us you live about 50 miles from some of the finest sxs riding in the country. A person can't even get a room in Black River Falls in the spring, summer!
First, buy a good quality sewer hose, maybe a Rhino brand or equal. Also as recommended, a surge protector. Buy a portable, maybe in the $100 range, and take it with you when you trade.....(and you will trade)
The rest of the recommendations are pretty much on the money. Mainly I want to recommend that you and Momma take it out for a long week-end BEFORE the two week trip and get the bugs out. Leave the urchins with the in-laws so you can devote your time to learning what you need to and fixing a few little things. Brenda and I are heading your way for two months (Chetek) so do what you can about the weather and mosquitos.....:D
On Edit: Well, here I am, all red-faced. You live in Maine, not Wisconsin. I should have checked first. Still I gave you good advice and it is a beautiful state!

[busterbrown]

I second the Rhinoflex brand by Camco. Tested and proven. My suggestion is to definitely stick to the basics requirements for your first trip.

Things that come to mind:

1. Two 10' sections of Rhinoflex sewer hose and clear elbow adapter
2. 50' Fresh water hose.
3. Wheel chocks
4. Portable EMS (not just surge)
5. Dog bone adapter(s)
6. A couple of quality extension cords
7. Water pressure regulator
8. Fresh Water line filter
9. Tall step stool (or ladder if possible)
10. Scissor jack hex drive 3/4" socket (as well as a battery power drill) for stabilizer jacks
11. Blocks of wood for leveling
12. Polypropylene mat
13. Quality camp chairs (you'll be happier with them)
14. Portable DC air pump (I'd suggest a VIAIR)
15. TPMS for the coach tires (already suggested)
16. Digital air pressure gauge
17. Laser IR temp gun
18. Fuses
19. Road flares (you never know)
20. Axe (if you build campfires)

[Retired Copper]

They got you started with a great list. You might look into getting some totes that will fit the storage door opening and organize items so you will know where they are for easy access. I just got a black tool bag for the tools, tie wraps, Teflon tape, spare hose gaskets and of course electrical and duct tape. I also carry a spray can of white grease and wd40.

[66joej]

You will eventually get to the point I am at where you could actually rebuild an engine by the side of the road. I think I could if I had a cylinder deglazer.:D:lol::lol:

[RickBetterley]

Rick, you rascal, you didn't tell us you live about 50 miles from some of the finest sxs riding in the country. A person can't even get a room in Black River Falls in the spring, summer!

First, buy a good quality sewer hose, maybe a Rhino brand or equal. Also as recommended, a surge protector. Buy a portable, maybe in the $100 range, and take it with you when you trade.....(and you will trade)

The rest of the recommendations are pretty much on the money. Mainly I want to recommend that you and Momma take it out for a long week-end BEFORE the two week trip and get the bugs out. Leave the urchins with the in-laws so you can devote your time to learning what you need to and fixing a few little things. Brenda and I are heading your way for two months (Chetek) so do what you can about the weather and mosquitos.....:D

On Edit: Well, here I am, all red-faced. You live in Maine, not Wisconsin. I should have checked first. Still I gave you good advice and it is a beautiful state!


You really had me there. SXS riding? Black River Falls? What am I missing? [emoji6]
Good advice here as well as other replies.
Stuck in an airport for now, but will look forward to learning from all.
Thanks!

[busterbrown]

One more important safety item I just thought of. A 5-10 ton bottle jack in case of a tire change. And a lug wrench that fits your trailer's lugs. Never can be "too" prepared.

[Eric MP]

:popcorn:Hey Rick.......Couldn't agree more to taking a weekend to break yourselves and the rig in. We were not planning one until a few here and on youtube recommended. We were fortunate to have a campground round trip distance of 16 miles. We had an issue with the language in the owner's manual regarding the water heater.....the STANDARD by pass value which prevented water from getting into the water heater was the issue. Thought we had burned out the electrical element (manual warning, not covered by warranty).......all was well. We also were familiar with LP gas only for a stove in our land base. We turned out to be paranoid about full unit service of LP gas (turning on; not fast; both, yes, 1 at a time)....which led to a cold first night. We had never had to turn on gas tanks before......could not remember what had been said at the walk through. Again, the owner's manual did not go far enough. We were checking both owners and appliance manuals to get the electrical and gas accessories going. Part of our concern was being ramped up with all the "smell gas" warnings in the trailer, the tanks and the manuals......all is well after the break in and one 400+ mile trip. All systems go......but we used city water over both weekends. We are not sure where we will be able to flush and sanitize the fresh water tank since. It may have trace amounts of anti-freeze in it. We live in a critical wetland area. Therefore, we have not tested the water pump. We flushed the rest of the system with city water on site during our first trip. I wish we could ramble in the TT like I can on this forum!! Eric

[GHen]

I also picked up a cheap fish scale, handle on one end and a big hook on the other. I use it to pick up my propane tanks to see how many pounds of propane I left before getting on the road again. Works well, don’t need to disconnect them, just unstrap the tanks so they move up a couple inches.

[Jno14]

Some spare fuses never hurt anyone that is 30+ miles from the nearest auto parts store and you can't get something to work.

[S&Dfz331]

A GOOD surge protector

[RoscoeV]

I suggest a good first aid kit, a rechargeable LED flashlight, and an outdoor 25 ft extension cord.

[66joej]

Also not sure of the type of wheels you have. If they are the fancy aluminium type and you get one of the cross wheel wrenches get one that is the smooth type and not the rough cast model. Cheap ones don't fit in the openings to access the wheel nuts.

[Northofu1]

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA

[66joej]

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA

Over the years I have found good and inexpensive do not necessarily go together. I bought a Progressive Industries 30 amp EMS unit hardwired. $330 CDN. on Amazon.ca. About the same when you convert to US dollars. JMO

[Gegrad]

I would suggest a small, portable floor jack capable of lifting the trailer in a pinch, if you don't already carry one. I have carried one (2 ton rating) in my cars for my entire driving life, so wasn't an issue for me. But a small, portable floor jack is a must for me.

[sourdough]

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA


I agree with Joe. Good and inexpensive usually don't mix. Many use the Progressive units and others use the Surge Guard brand, as do I. They make "surge guard" only units...that is not what you want. You want the more expensive electrical management units that monitor virtually every aspect of your power usage as well as all the faults and shuts the power down to the trailer if there is a failure. I've had an issue or 2 with power surges, but far, far more from no ground, no power on one leg, low power etc. A "surge" protector doesn't do anything for those.

The totes are an excellent idea. Measure your pass thru and get some totes that fit. We carry various ones for fresh water hoses/equip, black water hose/equip, cleaning supplies and misc gear etc. That way you don't have everything just loose and rumbling around.

It was mentioned once I believe but I would have a clear elbow to go on the RV dump connection. We used to never use one but have for some time now. They are invaluable trying to determine what is going on in the tanks. Not necessarily a "can't function" without it, but I sure don't want to go without mine.

You have been told about torque wrenches with sockets for the trailer and truck, tire gauges, leveling blocks, chocks; you will use them every time you set up. I carry a cordless impact wrench as well. Don't use it to torque the nuts but it speeds up the process. I carry a 120v compressor as well as a 12v one.

As you will find, the list is endless. Just make sure that what you get is really needed. I think everything I've read on this list is something that I carry on every trip.....and there's lots I can't think of at the moment:D

The non slip shelf liner listed earlier is a must IMO. We have it on all of our cabinet shelves.

[Canonman]

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA

So what are you really trying to protect your travel trailer against?
Surges happen from time to time so you want to make sure the TT's electrical isn't going to be damaged by a close lightning strike or transformer surge.
What we've found on those occasions we've stayed in an RV Park is reversed polarity and no ground. This has been almost every time we've used these types of parks. The basic model progressive has identified these faults each and every time and does all we need it to do performing flawlessly on multiple occasions.
It's unfortunate that many RV parks have a "handyman" who is responsible for general maintenance including the pedestal electrical, water system , bathroom plumbing etc, etc. Jack of all trades and master at none! As far as I know no one inspects RV parks for code compliance:facepalm:
Here's a link to some comparisons of portable and hardwired options:
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/portable-hardwired-comparisons
Hope this helps

[GHen]

Thought of another item I carry, it was mentioned to bring a cordless drill, I make sure I have sockets and extensions for the slide out motors to bring in manually and sockets for the manual drive on the leveling gear. I hope you never need to use them.

[travelin texans]

A real water pressure "regulator" with a gauge, not the "restrictor" they may have given you. We've been to parks with 80+ psi & that restrictor, in my opinion, is not up to that task.

[RickBetterley]

A real water pressure "regulator" with a gauge, not the "restrictor" they may have given you. We've been to parks with 80+ psi & that restrictor, in my opinion, is not up to that task.


These are really good suggestions and much appreciated.
I have done a lot of towing (and should have mentioned that) so in pretty good shape for towing related (distinguished from camping-related) items.
Thanks all and keep those suggestions coming! I’m particularly interested in specific product names (I.e., Progressive being a good electrical protection device manufacturer).
Happy camping to all!

[RickBetterley]

These are really good suggestions and much appreciated.
I have done a lot of towing (and should have mentioned that) so in pretty good shape for towing related (distinguished from camping-related) items.
Thanks all and keep those suggestions coming! I’m particularly interested in specific product names (I.e., Progressive being a good electrical protection device manufacturer).
Happy camping to all!


Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I now have most everything suggested loaded nicely into appropriate storage and looking forward to leaving for Moosehead Lake area Sunday. Trailer towed great from the dealer to home. May it always be so.

[rogeru]

Personally, I like using the "Blue Line" sewer hose system. There is no threaded or twisting anything. They just fit together plain and simple, and they come with end caps for storing, too. Completely keeps the crud from leaking out of the hoses. Just my 2 CW.

[tundrwd]

One thing I'd HIGHLY recommend - after you get all the trinkets everyone has mentioned.... (this is after nearly 30 years of camping in various size trailers, etc.)

When you arrive at a campground - WALK AROUND AND TALK TO OTHERS. See what they are using/doing/brands/etc. ASK - I haven't found anyone who isn't willing to talk and discuss. You're going to see a lot of different things that various people do - many of them are similar to each other, but you'll find some unique differences as well.

And always ask WHY they got that/do that/etc. Some things appear stupid, until you find out the why - then it'll be like a bolt from the blue, the "why didn't I think of that" kind of thing.

Think carefully before going "cheap". Cheap usually means "buy three times and cuss between purchases" until you get the more expensive thing. BUT - somethings can be had cheaply, and do as well. Like - instead of buy <whatever> disposable gloves to handle the sewer hose, etc. - go to Harbor Freight and get a box of 100 or 200 nitrile gloves, etc. MUCH cheaper, and do just as well. Experience helps tell you where you can save.

PAPER plates with a holder instead of plastic plates. You don't have to wash - so that means your gray tank has less water in it. That kind of stuff.

And most of all - have fun!

[RickBetterley]

One thing I'd HIGHLY recommend - after you get all the trinkets everyone has mentioned.... (this is after nearly 30 years of camping in various size trailers, etc.)



When you arrive at a campground - WALK AROUND AND TALK TO OTHERS. See what they are using/doing/brands/etc. ASK - I haven't found anyone who isn't willing to talk and discuss. You're going to see a lot of different things that various people do - many of them are similar to each other, but you'll find some unique differences as well.



And always ask WHY they got that/do that/etc. Some things appear stupid, until you find out the why - then it'll be like a bolt from the blue, the "why didn't I think of that" kind of thing.



Think carefully before going "cheap". Cheap usually means "buy three times and cuss between purchases" until you get the more expensive thing. BUT - somethings can be had cheaply, and do as well. Like - instead of buy <whatever> disposable gloves to handle the sewer hose, etc. - go to Harbor Freight and get a box of 100 or 200 nitrile gloves, etc. MUCH cheaper, and do just as well. Experience helps tell you where you can save.



PAPER plates with a holder instead of plastic plates. You don't have to wash - so that means your gray tank has less water in it. That kind of stuff.



And most of all - have fun!


Good advice and timely, as our first outing starts Sunday.
Interesting that my wife keeps referring to the trailer as the boat. We did a lot of sailboat cruising in years past and this feels a lot like that.
Thanks again

[RickBetterley]

This list was a huge help. Can’t think of anything we are really missing.
I do need to buy a Y fitting and another length of hose to connect the 2 sewer outlets and maybe a sewer hose support, but neither were must haves this early on.
Thanks again for all of the suggestions. Having a great time comfy camping in Eastport ME.

[yoster]

So, most of the interior pics were on the first page, but here's a few more since picking it up. I'm happy with the balance with the truck - looks to sit pretty level!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2VQdVZ2LVGbLcYvE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R6aHALLCrBGfDrgv7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SiZCx39iZzHEeYxS7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GpHmQzZscX5gozAeA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gHzRP69L5EjdV4Dx9

[RickBetterley]

So, most of the interior pics were on the first page, but here's a few more since picking it up. I'm happy with the balance with the truck - looks to sit pretty level!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2VQdVZ2LVGbLcYvE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R6aHALLCrBGfDrgv7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SiZCx39iZzHEeYxS7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GpHmQzZscX5gozAeA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gHzRP69L5EjdV4Dx9


Excuse me for asking, but did you mean to post this to a different thread?
I can’t see how your post relates to the thread topic.
Not that threads never wander away from the original post. [emoji3]

[notanlines]

I believe Yoster finally caught that and did post to "Just bought a Hideout - help me stop from feeling sick" :)